wedders Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I'm one of the few who's had enough of Chiang Mai, and am thinking of moving to.... gods forbid... the Pattaya area. Yeah, have to admit I've been one of its knockers over the years, but it's winning me round. I mean, all the bad stuff is grossly exaggerated, and what there is of it can be easily avoided, right? I need all the usual stuff that comes with life in a lively city, although I reckon I'm old enough to steer clear of the bg scene now. Ok who am I kidding, most of the time anyway. Anyway, as a mug who's ended up looking after a nearly 3 year old on his own when he should be looking forward to a laid-back retirement in a few years' time, any extra-curricular activities, should I still be able to summon up the enthusiasm or energy, would have to be restricted to kindergarten hours. So I should be pretty safe then right? After all, most of the bar girls aren't even up by the time schools close ... So apart from needing to find somewhere with relatively clean air yet still within easy reach of town, my main concern is the toddler. Long story, but she speaks 3 year old English and French equally well/badly, with some Thai (she's Anglo-Thai, but has spent some time in France). Obviously Thai isn't going to be a problem long-term, but I need to keep her fluent not only in my mother tongue, English, but also in French. Don't suppose there's any French international schools in Pattaya, with a nursery section? Done a search, can't find anything. If all else fails I can alternate speaking English and French with her myself, cos I speak both, but it would be a bit false. Still, looking forward to getting down to Pattaya in November, need to find a rental for four months or so to begin with, but despite having spent a few weeks over the years in Pattaya, really haven't much of a clue about the place. No idea where to look to rent a not too expensive condo for a short-term let - don't need a lot of space, but a couple of bedrooms would be good. Don't need luxury - just clean, and easy reach of town, and preferably the beach. And having found some great (authentic) Thai massage places in Chiang Mai over the years, it would be great to have one nearby. (I'm pretty choosy as far as massage goes, I reckon for every really great masseuse there are dozens of poor to average ones). Don't really spend much time socialising with expats (no offence), so that's not an issue. In Chiang Mai, always lived in exclusively Thai areas where farangs were a pretty rare sight. November's not far off, must get finger out and arrange accommodation now. Wouldn't normally bother, would just turn up and find somewhere, but with a toddler in tow... Any TV expats with a place they need looking after by someone reliable with a non-destructive kid for a few months ? Need a place with a decent international wifi connection already set up, and at least a basic English language TV package... Anyway, looking forward to joining the Pattaya crowd for a few months, with a view to making it permanent. Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timekeeper Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 good luck mate its a big move for you to make i hope it works out despite its many critics, the best part about Pattaya is that its easy for a foreigner to live here its very westernised, everything is to hand, everyone speaks english its reasonably priced compared with Samui, Phuket and other tourist spots i am sure you and the youngster will fit right in....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzi850m2 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I live here with my family, wife and 2 year old son and having no plans of relocating. Lots of bi-lingual schools around but for English/Thai only (as far as I know), so maybe you will have to take care of the French yourself. We live in a village (moo ban) near BKK/Patt hospital and its nice and peacefully here, but only 2.5 km down to the madness, he-he. 60 bath with mc taxi and I am downtown. Yes you can live your life just as you want it here, party every day or nice and quiet or something in between, its all up to you. We seldom go to walking street, too expensive, crowded, many other places to chose from. All in all we are very happy in this ever developing city. Welcome to fun city, hope you and your daughter will enjoy it here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD13 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Hi WeddersIf you are looking for a place to rent Try speaking to Pattaya Ocean Property, Mal (an Aussie) has a very good knowledge of Pattaya and what is available, he is very honest and caring, he will not "rip you off", I find him a joy to do business with. Good luck with your new life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSixpack Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Pattaya's great. Ignore the trolls and naysayers on the forum. Something for everybody here. Only big problem w/ Pattaya now is the traffic and parking. If you can deal w/ that, you'll do fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LennyW Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Get yourself a nice house on the east side of Pattaya, with a pool, and have a great life, most of us long term expats do!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McGarty Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I moved here after over 5 years in other places and I also had my reservations. The first 3 months were not too good here. Then it started to fall into place. Now I am happy. I have friends, know where to go for nights out without being ripped off or being pestered by the BG scene. Pattaya gets slagged off a lot by some people but it is not such a bad place after you have been here a while in all honesty. It has everything I need. good luck with the move and have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzi850m2 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Get yourself a nice house on the east side of Pattaya, with a pool, and have a great life, most of us long term expats do!!!!! Don't get a pool unless you are 100% sure you really want it, I know a few expats here that regretted that, X only use it once or twice a year, Z never so only his dogs use it . Q sold his house because of the pool. Most moo baans have a communal pool and thats fine, go for a swim when you want, but no hassle maintaining it. Many new expats want a pool because it sounds nice, moving to a tropical climate and all, but unless you have space (money) for a real big pool its not worth it in my opinion. Most "pools" I seen here are more like overgrown bath tubs, not much exercise to be had there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LennyW Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Get yourself a nice house on the east side of Pattaya, with a pool, and have a great life, most of us long term expats do!!!!! Don't get a pool unless you are 100% sure you really want it, I know a few expats here that regretted that, X only use it once or twice a year, Z never so only his dogs use it . Q sold his house because of the pool. Most moo baans have a communal pool and thats fine, go for a swim when you want, but no hassle maintaining it. Many new expats want a pool because it sounds nice, moving to a tropical climate and all, but unless you have space (money) for a real big pool its not worth it in my opinion. Most "pools" I seen here are more like overgrown bath tubs, not much exercise to be had there. Definitely not talking moo baans !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted September 30, 2011 Author Share Posted September 30, 2011 Have been renting right in the middle of Chiang Mai, 3 bed detached house for just 10,000 a month, so I'm not counting on finding quite such a bargain in Pattaya! 25 years an expat so not exactly a newbie, although only five years in Thailand so far. Definitely not looking for a pool especially having a non-swimming 3 year old with me. Prefer a fan to aircon, don't need luxury. Not a great fan of moo bans, but if there's nothing else... When I used to go to Pattaya for short breaks, stayed in a friend's villa when he was away, fantastic place, somewhere near a big Korean development/school I think to the north or north-east, as you come in from Bkk? It was a 15 minutes taxi drive in to town. Some pretty luxurious villas, but just too far away from everything for my liking. Thanks for the thoughts/suggestions... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrel Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Most of the movement between Pattaya and CM seems to be in the opposite direction to yours, so it would be interesting to know what is prompting your move? Property costs are going to be higher here but apart from that quite a lot will be cheaper. You will certainly have a bigger and cheaper selection of most of the things that are likely to appeal to most farangs. Dont think I would care to do without aircon here though, unless I was on a high floor of a quiet sea-front condo building with a good through breeze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted September 30, 2011 Author Share Posted September 30, 2011 It's an air pollution thing more than anything else, would rather have an occasional sea breeze at certain times of year. Plus I prefer to be closer to Bangkok, family reasons mainly. And I've grown weary of Chiang Mai, it would be a good time to move on. Still that's the reason for the 4 month trial, it'll give me a better idea of what to expect that the quick breaks I've had in the past, so I can make a decision on whether it's the right move later on. Not sure what things you mean, that'll be cheaper? Can't say I noticed any big differences in price before - in CM if you know where to go, pretty much anything is cheap enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGW Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Get yourself a nice house on the east side of Pattaya, with a pool, and have a great life, most of us long term expats do!!!!! Don't get a pool unless you are 100% sure you really want it, I know a few expats here that regretted that, X only use it once or twice a year, Z never so only his dogs use it . Q sold his house because of the pool. Most moo baans have a communal pool and thats fine, go for a swim when you want, but no hassle maintaining it. Many new expats want a pool because it sounds nice, moving to a tropical climate and all, but unless you have space (money) for a real big pool its not worth it in my opinion. Most "pools" I seen here are more like overgrown bath tubs, not much exercise to be had there. I have a pool for sale, Cheap if you change your mind, I never use it, just pay for it! Buyer arranges removal & transportation to it new abode! Water free! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaifan2 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 OP ,you are moving to Pattaya to find a lady .Good luck but you have a better chance of finding a good lady in CM .I made the move the other way 18 months ago Jomtien /Pattaya to CH with my now wife . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kropotkin Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Yes, hormones ARE difficult to keep under control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted September 30, 2011 Author Share Posted September 30, 2011 Thaifan2, more than enough ladies in CM if that's was a priority. So no, wrong guess. The reasons are the ones I gave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapfries Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Thaifan2, more than enough ladies in CM if that's was a priority. So no, wrong guess. The reasons are the ones I gave. Wedders; you appear to be a decent chap,with genuine concerns & questions. I have been in Pattaya for almost 20 years now (I'm 1/2 Dutch & 1/2 Canadian) Just PM me and I will give you some decent advice and elp you make the change more smoothly. Cheers, JaapFries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigt3365 Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Thaifan2, more than enough ladies in CM if that's was a priority. So no, wrong guess. The reasons are the ones I gave. Wedders; you appear to be a decent chap,with genuine concerns & questions. I have been in Pattaya for almost 20 years now (I'm 1/2 Dutch & 1/2 Canadian) Just PM me and I will give you some decent advice and elp you make the change more smoothly. Cheers, JaapFries Great offer, Jaapfries! You gave me a lot of advise when I moved here 2 years ago...as did many other members here on TV. Another thing to consider is maybe not living in Pattaya, but the surrounding areas. You can live on the dark side and hardly ever go into Pattaya if you don't want to. Everything is there you need and it's much cheaper and quieter...less traffic also. Plus, there are some great areas South of town. Bang Saray, Ban Chang, and even on down towards Rayong. The beaches get better as you head south and the price drops. Depends on what you are looking for. I was in BC last week visiting my friend who lives near the beach in a really nice house he is renting for very cheap. He loves it there...other than than the difficult drive home after a night out in Pattaya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnniey Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 (edited) Why not go for Bangkok - there's great French schools there AND plenty BGs. What effect will living in Pattaya have on a 3 year old girl? Would you be able to look her in the eyes when she's 18 and tell her the reasons you moved to Pattaya? Your childrens' welfare and education should come first before any selfish needs/wants/desires. Edited October 1, 2011 by Johnniey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LennyW Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Why not go for Bangkok - there's great French schools there AND plenty BGs. What effect will living in Pattaya have on a 3 year old girl? Would you be able to look her in the eyes when she's 18 and tell her the reasons you moved to Pattaya? Your post kind of contradicts it'self?? im guessing you have never spent much time in Pattaya or it's surrounding areas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted October 1, 2011 Author Share Posted October 1, 2011 Why not go for Bangkok - there's great French schools there AND plenty BGs. What effect will living in Pattaya have on a 3 year old girl? Would you be able to look her in the eyes when she's 18 and tell her the reasons you moved to Pattaya? Your childrens' welfare and education should come first before any selfish needs/wants/desires. I gave some of the reasons for the move above, and it's not the bgs. There's a nightlife, even if it's restricted, in Chiang Mai. I can handle visits to Bkk but I don't want to live there. Too much noise and pollution, which is why I'm trying to find the right area of Pattaya, to avoid the same problem. I'm looking for easy access to good facilities (schools, doctors, hospitals), sea air, a beach, high quality real massage, a relatively quick run up the road to see relatives in Bkk, reasonable prices. I like lively places, but need to be able to escape them easily too. Pattaya and surrounds fit all of those criteria pretty well, few other places do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pluto_manibo Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 (edited) There used to be a french kindergarden at the end of walking street(no joke!) towards the Bali Hai Pier. As others have posted, you can make a very nice life for yourself in the citys' surrounding areas. Most of the Pattaya bashers don't really know the area outside the city limits and judge it solely on walking street and beach road....Two areas, I rarely venture to after 14 yrs of living here. I must admit, I just came back from Chiang Mai a week ago and I was planning on making a move there. Its' a great place BUT the air pollution, floods and the fact that it so far away from everything...is a burden. I am sure you will appreciate the conveniences Pattaya has to offer with or without the bars. Bonne chance et au plaisir! reason for edit- spellcheck is hung over! Edited October 1, 2011 by pluto_manibo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted October 1, 2011 Author Share Posted October 1, 2011 french kindergarden at the end of walking street(no joke!) The mind boggles! I would be pretty safe though, on previous visits to Pattaya I've only explored during the day, and first thing in the morning around Walking Street it's a ghost town. A French kindergarten is exactly what I need, I'll try and find out some more on a Francophone forum. Not that there are many French-speaking online communities that I can find. Didn't go out once at night, in a total of three weeks or so there over various visits; couldn't be bothered to be honest. Just an exaggerated form of what you find in parts of Chiang Mai. So I hope that makes it clear to the couple of posters who think they've spotted ulterior motives for my move! pluto_manibo, you're spot on about Chiang Mai. It's a great place, really liked living there, but at times the air pollution is too much. You were unlucky with the floods, in the years I was there we had no problems at all. And of course the old town inside the moat is flood-free - just certain areas are vulnerable. And although the air links are good, it's still not ideal if you need to go to Bangkok quite regularly. And what you say about Pattaya sums up my view - it's take it or leave as far as its bar scene goes, and the large part of town is relatively 'normal', from what I've seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartender100 Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 Jomtien would probably suite your needs, Pratmanak hill (half way between Jom and patts) has some nice places for rent, also couple of very quiet beach's at the bottom of soi 5 the sea air is great down there, I do a spot of sea fishing off the rocks. Some very laid back bars, plenty of great eating places, its quiet, but hop on a bus and you are soon in Pattaya Its handy to have a motobike for day time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted October 1, 2011 Author Share Posted October 1, 2011 Sounds interesting, thanks. Used to do a lot of coarse fishing, perhaps I could convert . Not a fan of two wheels, especially in Thailand. Tuk-tuks/baht buses as well as Shank's pony were my thing in Chiang Mai. Rented a car occasionally. Motorbike taxis, taken occasionally in Phnom Penh, Bangkok and Pattaya, scare me to death. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jombom Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 You could talk to these people --- the lady in charge is French and is familiar with schools in the area. Lots of Thai children learning French here in this area. http://www.pattaya-language.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted October 1, 2011 Author Share Posted October 1, 2011 Thanks Jombom, I've emailed her... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twix38 Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 (edited) My Thai wife is starting her own estate agent business having worked for a local one for 5 years. If you want to rent a property I can assure you she is trustworthy, professional and very helpful. PM me for further info, if required. Edited October 2, 2011 by twix38 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronrat Posted October 2, 2011 Share Posted October 2, 2011 Not sure you need a pool if you have a 3 year old. Best with a communal pool and a swimming club where your child will be safer. If she gets to an age and can be trusted to swim you get a pool and she then invites friends who can't swim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedders Posted October 2, 2011 Author Share Posted October 2, 2011 (edited) Not interested in a pool, I've got one in France which I empty when I am living in Thailand, had tenants in the house who tried to fill it for a pool party without asking me (they knew what the answer would be). Started filling it too late, so it was only half full by the date of the party. Loads of drunk teenagers, including a 17 year old who thought it would be clever to dive off the board into barely a metre of water. He's now dead. So I don't know what age you can trust kids to use a pool sensibly by. About 30, probably. Cheers twix38, I'll be in touch. Edited October 2, 2011 by wedders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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